Waking up at the crack of dawn, was never a task for her. It was by default, even now at 50!
In the wee hours, when most children of this digital era would have just gone to sleep, this woman in her fifties, Meenakshi, was up and about. Armed with a bowl of rice powder, you would find her there at the threshold of her house, her saree tucked a little on the left and her braid hurriedly fitted into a bun. The neat cement flooring was her canvas, her artwork a meditation! A perfect ‘me time’.
The other day, a neighbour stopped by to admire her art. One clicked a picture taking her permission. Today, a passerby said,
“Oh you must be an art teacher, I bet!”
“No, but Thank you! You just made my day!”, she acknowledged happily.
So what if I could not make it my profession.
It’s ok, my art is still alive, I am happy, she told herself. She had become adept in confusing her mind.
“Art teacher”..These words brought back a plethora of memories.
It was Pongal festival time. In the villages, the festival included a lot of events like ‘Jallikattu’ and various other interesting competitions.
On the third day of the festival, the results were announced.
Meenakshi jumped in joy when she heard,
“The first prize in the drawing competition goes to Meenakshi Sundaresan.”
The chief guest was a young, aspiring businessman, Mr Chandrasekhar. His speech was still fresh in her memory.
“No profession is big or small. You like arts, pursue arts. Give your 100% to it. You can become a successful art teacher!
Destiny played match maker. Meenakshi and Chandrasekhar’s horoscope matched and soon they got married.
Meenakshi was thrilled to marry someone who understood her liking for art. So she thought!
Soon after marriage, they moved to the nearby city for better prospects.
Chandrasekhar did very well. His business soared.
“Meenu! You are the best thing that has happened in my life. I am so lucky!” Chandrasekhar admitted lovingly.
She hugged him tight.
“You are also happy, na, my darling!”
“Of course I am happy! Only you understand my feelings. Seizing the moment, she shyly added, Shall I apply for the art teacher job?”
“Art teacher!”, he laughed!
The reaction struck her rudely.
A soft question left her lips, Why?
“Oh oh don’t get upset! Let me get this project. then we’ll see, ok!”
She believed him! It was a mistake.
Another opportunity, to the same question, he said,
“Appa is unwell, if you go out, how will Amma manage on her own? Tell me.”
“Ok ok, no problem!” she agreed instantly.
No confrontations, no discussions!
A mistake again.
With years, came more responsibilities. Chandrasekhar got busier than ever. With success came ego and prestige issues.
How could a successful business man’s wife go out for work? What will everyone say?
She shoved away the thoughts of pursuing arts as a career and made peace with herself.
Self pity entered and self confidence flew out of the window.
Admiration for her took a backseat.
So also, the promise made to her!
“Amma! I am not finding my driver’s license? Help me na please!” Meenakshi’s son brought her back to the present day.
“Here, take!” she found it in a jiffy.
“Amma you are the best!
By the way ma! Today’s kolam is awesome. Let’s make an insta page for you right away.” saying he created one.
Meenakshi was worried about what if he, her husband gets upset. But for the first time, with the confidence that her son gave her, she agreed.
Her first victory!
Meenakshi wasn’t knowing anything about instagram, but she was plain happy to see her name, her picture, the page created for her by her son. She excitedly showed it to her husband. He was surprised, “What? Why?” He took her phone, saw the page in detail and then said,
“Ok ok! But be careful. Also, don’t believe all of it. Most of it is fake.”
Meenakshi agreed but she didn’t allow any negativity to come near her. She was listening to her sweet inner voice which was screaming from within… “You are right, go for it dear Meenakshi!”
A month later…
“Maa! Your insta page is a super hit. Look at the number of likes and comments, ma!” Arvind, her son was beaming in pride.
Meenakshi learnt how to handle her page, how to like and how to comment.
Her second victory!
Soon, she realized that the digital era has its advantages too.
It had a wider reach. It was her window to the outer world. She saw herself glowing.
This Women’s day, she promised to do what she had longed for..to teach ..to become an Art teacher!
She typed a note..
Women’s day special
Kolam/ Rangoli workshop
Saturday and Sunday
Timings: 2 pm to 4 pm
Materials will be provided at the class
Those interested may DM me
Only 10 students per batch. So hurry, my dear artoons! 
With this, she clicked on the Send button.
Oh the happiness on her face!
She was changing. Her present was beautiful.
She was gifting herself a future she longed for!
Finally, she realised,
The best gift a woman can give herself is
To believe in herself, To love herself too!
